Motorcycle specifications VelocetteVenom Thruxton 500 1965

Among the plethora of British manufacturers of the last century, Velocette is surely one of the most paradoxical. The brand was founded in Birmingham in the early 20th century by John Goodman, a young German emigrant. Initially sold under the Veloce brand name, Goodman's production quickly adopted the Velocette name following the success of a small 200cc 2-stroke model.

From the outset, John Goodman's aim was to market solid touring motorcycles, and his design was mechanically very traditionalist. And yet, Velocette is one of the British brands whose history is closely linked to competition, and to the Tourist Trophy in particular, where its bikes often shone for many years.

The Velocette M-Series Venom Thruxton was the brand's last motorcycle. Introduced in 1964 at the Earls Court Motor Cycle Show and marketed from 1965, the Thruxton benefited from the latest engine ethe Thruxton benefited from the latest engine developments (new intake pipes and a high-performance squish cylinder head inspired by a model designed by a Velocette tuner in the USA) and developed over 40 horsepower. While this may seem modest power today for a sportbike, the long-stroke 499cc single-cylinder, fuelled by its huge Amal carburetor (of course), is far from ridiculous for its time (a 650cc twin-cylinder Triumph Bonneville developed 46 hp, and a 1962 twin-cylinder 500cc BSA Rocket Star offered just 30 ponies). The engine is torquey and picks up nicely from 2,500 rpm, even in 4th and last gear. The gearbox is smooth and precise (still by the standards of the time).

like all M-Series models since 1953, the Thruxton is equipped with a rear oscillating suspension.oscillating rear suspension, adjustable for stiffness by moving the upper link of the (double) spring-damper combination. No particular advances have been made in this area. It does, however, benefit from a modern fork taken from the brand's recent Scrambler. The brakes are powerful (double cams at the front). Handling is decent, and the bike is agile in curves thanks to its small tires. In fact, this is its favorite playground, and its engine, according to connoisseurs, is a real treat thanks to its vigorous acceleration out of corners.

Aesthetically, it differs greatly from the standard Venom. First of all, the seat/tank assembly is unique. The tank had to be changed because of the size of the carburetor, which required a specific cut-out. The seat, on the other hand, is better integrated into the bike's lines, hugging the shape of the frame much more closely. What's more, the rear of the seat features a small backrest, giving it a much sportier look than the flat seat of the model from which it derives. The Thruxton retains the brand's typical fishtail exhaust (to do without it would have been a veritable crime of lèse-majestée).

This machine was sold for 369 pounds when it came out. 1108 Thruxtons were produced until 1971, when the company went into receivership. 166 examples were sold in France during the 6 years of production. Hard to find today in original condition.

Tanthallas - Photos: Manufacturer
thanks to vintagebike.co.uk for the sound of the Moto